[W8lrc] Events February 2020 for the WM Amateur Radio community

[Jack Amelar]

Events for February 2020 for the WM Amateur Radio community

ALWAYS CHECK SPONSOR’S WEB and FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ANY UPDATES

Ottawa and Kent County SKYWARN Basic Spotter Training
The annual Kent/Ottawa County Skywarn class will be held Tuesday evening, February 25, 2020 at Hudsonville High School located at 3370 Allen Street. The event is free and open to anyone of any age but especially targets residents of Kent and Ottawa County age 16 and up. Doors open at 6 pm with the training from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
The material presented covers the basics of being a SKYWARN storm spotter, including learning about severe thunderstorms, funnel clouds and tornadoes, safety considerations for all hazards, spotter report criteria and spotter procedures. Becoming an official storm spotter for the county is optional after the training, not required.
SKYWARN storm spotter training participants should register at https://skywarn2020.eventbrite.com,  print out their free tickets, and bring them to the training. There is much more information available on the eventbrite website.

25th ANNUAL West Michigan Hams GET OUTTA THE CABIN DINNER, Formerly called “The New Hams Dinner”
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020, 2:00 PM At PIZZA RANCH, 3858 28th St SE (Hwy M-11), Kentwood, MI. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Sri7pieM4FS2
SPONSORED BY: Allegan County ARC www.ac8rc.org, Holland ARC www.hollandarc.org, Grand Rapids ARC www.w8dc.org, Michigan Amateur Radio Alliance www.w8usa.org, Lowell ARC  www.w8lrc.org
BRING YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, the KIDS, FRIENDS, anyone involved or interested in ham radio is welcome, regardless of any or no club affiliation. In tradition, we especially like to encourage and welcome any new licensees or new to the area hams. Dress casual.
LET THE NEW HAMS KNOW WE WELCOME THEM, and enjoy each others company without the need to split so not to miss that hamfest deal! And you don’t want to miss out on the door prizes, nothing spectacular like a new rig, but a prize is a prize.  We’ll all have a good time!
Buffet style including pizza, fried chicken to make the Colonel jealous, fixin's, desert and beverage. Pay at the door, proceed to the reserved room. Normal restaurant rates, $12.99 (senior $11.69) + tax, gratuity. Proceed to the reserved room.
All attendees must purchase a buffet.. http://www.pizzaranch.com
No reservations, just show up.
Questions? Contact ny8d at w8dc.org (616)438-1464

For the past three years, the Grand Rapids National Weather Service office has offered a specialized severe weather SKYWARN training class dedicated to meeting the needs and interests of the blind and visually impaired. The class has been very well received, as evidenced by positive evaluations, and by a sustained increase in the number of participants from 15 in 2017, to 30 in 2018, to 36 in 2019.
The Grand Rapids National Weather Service office forecaster who has provided this training is willing to offer the training class again, if there is a sufficient level of interest. This year’s training is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. As in previous years, the training will be held at the Fellowship Hall of the Wyoming Park United Methodist Church, located at 2244 Porter SW, Wyoming, MI. This location is very convenient for those who need to use public transportation.
The training is open to anyone who is blind or visually impaired, and who has an interest in learning how to better understand and prepare for actual or potential severe weather threats that might affect us here in the state of Michigan. Anyone who attended our previous classes is more than welcome to attend this year’s training session. In fact, we strongly encourage it. There is always something new to learn, and the material presented is constantly being modified, based on feedback provided from previous sessions. Furthermore, we would like to extend a special invitation to those who teach, or otherwise work with the visually-impaired population. There is no age limit for this training, and you will receive a training completion certificate to document your participation in the session.
If you think you might be interested in attending the SKYWARN training session for the visually-impaired, please let me know by Friday, February 21, so I can pass your interest along to the National Weather Service. If interest is sufficient, an e-mail will follow, shortly after the February 21 deadline with a registration form and other related materials.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, I can be reached by E-mail, or by phone. Thank you for considering this exciting training opportunity!!
Dr. Thomas Behler, (KB8TYJ) Main Event Coordinator
E-mail:tombehler at gmail.com

RIVER BANK RUN
It is getting to be that time of year again. Yes it's that time of
year when Karl sends out a ton of emails asking for help for the River
Bank Run. This year's dates are:
Jr run on May 6th at the Grandville Middle School
Pre-Race Meeting May 8th 6:30 @ KCSD
Race Day May 9th
We need 10-15 people for the Jr event and as many people as we can get
for the main event.
The signup link is http://bit.ly/2P24Fm0 
Why should you help out with the Amway River Bank Run?
1. As amateur radio operators we should give back to the community
2. Time to dust off those radios and hone our communication skills.
3. Great opportunity to show the community what ham radio operators can do to support their community.
4. For those of you who volunteer in the emergency community it is a great time to work with other emergency service personnel.
5. See old friends.
6. We think this is fun.

COMING EVENTS: All are welcome at these events!
WM Nets
Friday Lunch Bunch
MARA Saturday Breakfast
WMTG Thursday dinner
2nd Hand Ham Shop
HAMSTERS
SATERN monthly meeting
GRARA monthly meeting
HARC Build / Radio Nights
HIAD - Lowell
ACARC monthly meeting
MARA monthly meeting
MAARC monthly meeting
VE Testing, Grand Rapids
VE Testing, Saranac
LARC monthly meeting
HARC monthly meeting
NOARC monthly meeting
HAM IS FOR BREAKFAST
VE Testing, Allegan

NETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNETNET

NETS on the IRA W8IRA Link System 147.16+(94.8Hz)
IRA Michigan Noon Time Roundup Net: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:00 noon, NOW INCLUDING A SWAP SESSION.
IRA After Work/Dinner Net: Tuesday and Saturday at 6:00 PM
Michigan VHF Traffic Net: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:00 PM
**NEW** Insomniac Net: Wednesday mornings 3AM
WMNI SATERN 2M Net: Wednesday 7:00 PM
primary repeater 147.16+(94.8Hz) http://w8ira.org/

GRARA W8DC Net: Tuesday 7PM on the 147.26+(94.8Hz)

NETS by Michigan Amateur Radio Alliance W8USA
2 Meter, Thursdays, except 3rd 7:30PM 145.23-(94.8Hz)
2 Meter, 3rd Thursdays, 7:30PM 145.23 SIMPLEX
6 Meter, Saturdays 8AM 50.4MHz AM

West Michigan Emergency Communication Net: Wednesday 8PM W8LRC 145.27-(94.8Hz)

Sidewinders around Michigan Net: Sunday 9:30PM 144.155 USB

WM Six Meter SSB Net: Tuesday 8:30PM 50.140 MHz USB
WM Classic Six Meter AM Net: Sunday 8PM 50.400 MHz AM

10M Rag Chew Net: Sunday 4:PM 28.870 MHz USB (presumed)

SKYWARN KENT COUNTY: Anyone interest in being a Net Control Station please contact Tom KB8TYJ tombehler at gmail.com To be NCS you will need 2M/440 base station and a high speed computer to work radar.

Want your NET listed here? Send me the information.

List of WEST MICHIGAN HAM NETS
http://w8lrc.org/net_calendar/

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ONGOING EVENTS

EVERY FRIDAY, LUNCH BUNCH,
Bob Evans Restaurant, 6565 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids / Kentwood, MI 49508
Just south of the Hwy-M6 (Exit 11) interchange on the west side of Kalamazoo Ave.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/AUNvQ7WK8aT2zvLk7
Start gathering 11:30 or whenever you can get there, stay until you're ready to leave. Order from the menu.
The "default" repeater to monitor, inquire, etc. IRA-W8IRA 147.16+(94.8Hz).
Open to all hams, aspiring hams, inquisitive non-hams, etc. We don't care, regardless of any, or no, club affiliation.
Who sponsors this? NOBODY! It's just a gathering of hams, and there's always room for you.

MARA Informal Breakfast, Saturdays 8AM, New Beginnings, 5200 Northland Dr, Plainfield Township. https://goo.gl/maps/ftRbxAfe2t22

WEST MICHIGAN TECHNICAL GROUP dinner Thursdays, beginning 6PM, at the 76th Street Truck Stop Diner, 460 76th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, just West of Hwy US 131 exit #75. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/4gNdqYqciBALXnRy9
https://www.wmtg.me/  https://www.facebook.com/wmtgnet/

2nd Hand Ham Shop, Saturdays, 8AM “until it ends”. Used equipment, parts (some that are hard to find) and coffee with fellow enthusiasts. Operated by Tom KD8DEG.
7830 80th Ave between Polk and Baldwin, Zeeland (Blendon Township) Map: https://goo.gl/maps/mJ82NL1a9U12
https://www.facebook.com/2nd-Hand-Ham-Shop-1007064166010266/
kd8deg at centurytel.net (616)292-3335

Check out the only full time Amateur Radio store in Michigan. HAMSTERS in Dowagiac, new and used radio gear.
“HAMSTERS, Your place for amateur radio items at a fair price.”
http://ham-sters.com/


MONTHLY EVENTS

SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network-W8SAT) monthly meeting, first Tuesday, February 4, 7:PM, Dickinson Park Facility, 1632 Linden Ave SE, Grand Rapids. Everyone is welcome to our nets and meetings, not just SATERN Members. Contact Bob WX8BOB dennis49544 at gmail.com
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/5xfjFGQHmaA2
http://www.satern.org/  http://eds-satern.sawmni.org/

Grand Rapids Amateur Radio Association (GRARA-W8DC) regular MONTHLY meeting, first Friday, February 7, At American Red Cross building, 1050 Fuller Ave NE between the I-196 Ford Fwy and Leonard St. Social 6:30PM, meeting 7PM.
GRARA Board meetings are on the PRECEDING Wednesday (Feb 5), same time / location.
Topic: Ron K8DMR will expand on the January QST (p.39) article “Comparing Mobile/Portable Antennas on 20 Meters.
Open Radio Room Wednesdays 7PM and Sundays 1PM to 4:30PM, same location. There will be coffee, water and flavored water and occasionally cookies or some other snack. 
Map: http://www.w8dc.org/pages/Red%20Cross.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GRARA.W8DC/
http://www.w8dc.org/ 147.26+(94.8Hz)

HARC Build / Radio Nights ~ Friday, February 7, at the Chick-Owa Sportsman’s Club 9279 Ottogan St, Holland, from 6:15 PM to ?PM.Bring your kits and projects to HARC Build / Radio night. Test equipment and volunteers will be available to assist you.
Do you know someone who would like to learn how to solder? Invite them to Radio Night. There’s a collection of inexpensive kits to choose from as well as tools and solder equipment to try out.
If you have items to sell – radios – power supplies – antennas – wire – parts and pieces – kits – bring to the meeting. Tables are free to use. If you’re interested in radios, kit building, soldering, test equipment, Arduino, and device firmware, stop by and check things out.
http://www.hollandarc.org/ Map https://goo.gl/maps/qiQPS9EVgTx https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/ 147.06+(94.8Hz)

HIAD (Ham in a Day) class, Lowell, Saturday, February 8.
This is an opportunity for anyone wishing to get their amateur radio technician license to study and take the exam all in one afternoon. Directed study starts at 1:00 and continues till 6:00, when the test will be given. For registration and more information http://w8lrc.org/hiad-registration/   Cost for the Ham in a Day study session is $25. Also, anyone wanting to take an exam (technician or upgrade) without the class may arrive at 6:00. There is no cost for the exams. Anyone whose license is within 90 days of expiring can also renew their license between 6:00 and the end of testing at no charge.
2020 HIAD dates:
Holland, April 11, August 8, December 12 http://www.hollandarc.org/?p=3322
Lowell, February 8, June 13, October 10

Allegan County Amateur Radio Club (ACARC-AC8RC) monthly meeting second Tuesday, February 11, 7PM Plainwell Public Safety Complex, 119 Island Avenue, Plainwell, MI 49080.
The training room entrance is just North of the main entrance, towards the big doors used by the Fire trucks. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/MrttWWZJc3B2  https://ac8rc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ac8rc/ 147.24+(94.8Hz)

Michigan Amateur Radio Alliance (MARA-W8USA) monthly meeting, second Wednesday, February 12, 7:30 PM, at Plainfield Township Fire Department Training Center, SW corner of 5 Mile Rd and Plainfield Ave. https://goo.gl/maps/KzAzaXwWge12 Talk-in W8USA 145.23-(94.8Hz) https://w8usa.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/MARAW8USA/

Muskegon Area Amateur Radio Council (MAARC-W8ZHO) meeting Second Thursday, February 13, 7PM.
NOTE: THE JANUARY, FEBRUARY, AND MARCH MEETINGS WILL BE AT THE FAB LAB, 388 W CLAY, MUSKEGON Map: https://goo.gl/maps/vW4A9ottfif4TBRz8
http://www.w8zho.com/ https://www.facebook.com/w8zho/  146.94-(94.8Hz)

VE TESTING at GRARA on the second Friday of the month, February 14, 6:30 PM. Same location as monthly meetings and open radio room. Sign-up / information
http://w8dc.org/pages/exams.html hamtest at w8dc.org

VE Testing, Ionia County RACES, 3rd Saturday (except April and December) 10AM, February 15, River of Life Church, 77 Church St, Saranac, Michigan. http://wa8rra.org/?page_id=452 Mike Carigon N8MRC, VE Liaison, n8mrc at yahoo.com Map: https://goo.gl/maps/8urPbpo6w9S2

Lowell Amateur Radio Club (LARC-W8LRC) monthly meeting, third Thursday, February 20, 6:30 PM social, 7PM meeting. All are welcome. Pizza provided.
At the “Shack” in the Flat River Outreach Ministries (F.R.O.M) Building, 11535 Fulton St E (Hwy M-21), Lowell, just west of the Lowell Meijer. Open Radio Room on the other Thursdays, 7PM.
http://www.w8lrc.org https://www.facebook.com/w8lrc/ Map: https://goo.gl/maps/9e7G2FVkriJ2 145.27-(94.8Hz)

Holland Amateur Radio Club (HARC-K8DAA) meeting Friday, February 21, 7PM. Chick-Owa Sportsman’s Club 9279 Ottogan St, Holland, MI 49423.
http://www.hollandarc.org/ Map https://goo.gl/maps/qiQPS9EVgTx https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/ 147.06+(94.8Hz)

Holland ARC E.A.T. meeting (Education And Training) is fourth Friday, is CANCELED for February and March.
hhttp://www.hollandarc.org/ Map https://goo.gl/maps/qiQPS9EVgTx https://www.facebook.com/groups/233793361844/ 147.06+(94.8Hz)

North Ottawa ARC meeting, (NOARC-W8CSO) fourth Thursday, February 27, 6:30 PM at the Spring Lake Village Hall, 102 W Savidge Street (HWY M-104), Spring Lake.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/QiEuWyesa2x  http://www.w8cso.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/401316979888404/ 145.49-(94.8Hz)

HAM IS FOR BREAKFAST, Last Saturday of the month, February 29, Southside Inn, 192 W 35th St, Holland, MI 49423. 9:00am - ???. Back room reserved table.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/nKYmma5xvr82 Holland ARC K8DAA

Holland Amateur Radio Club will be holding licensing exams Saturday, March 14,6PM for anyone wishing to get or upgrade their amateur radio license. Chick-Owa Sportsmans Club, 9279 Ottogan St., Holland. There is no charge for any testing. If your license is within 90 days of expiration, it can quickly be renewed at no charge between 6:00 and the end of testing.
http://www.hollandarc.org/ Map https://goo.gl/maps/qiQPS9EVgTx

VE Testing, Allegan County ARC, 4th Saturday odd months, March 28, Allegan General Hospital - Basement Cafeteria, 555 Linn Street (Hwy M-40 just S of M-89/M40 Interchange, Allegan. http://ac8rc.org/?page_id=53 mailto:w8rmn at arrl.net Map: https://goo.gl/maps/xzHwtCHFAGM2 

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UP COMING HAMFESTS
ARRL Hamfest and Convention Database http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/search

Cherryland ARC Swap N Shop, Saturday, February 8
Location: St Francis High School Gymnasium, 123 E. 11th Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
Website: http://cherrylandarc.com/?page_id=56
Flier: http://cherrylandarc.com/?wpfb_dl=265
Sponsor: Cherryland Amateur Radio Club
Talk-In: 146.86- (114.8Hz)
Public Contact: Joseph Erlewein , N8CN, 830 Floresta Street Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: 231-668-4223, Email: joe at n8cn.org

*CANCELED* 50th Annual Swap & Shop, Sunday, February 23, Livonia, MI 48150

La Porte County Amateur Radio Hamfest, Saturday, February 22
Location: La Porte Civic Auditorium, 1001 Ridge Street, La Porte, IN 46350
Website: http://lpcarc.org/hamfest/
Flier: http://lpcarc.org/hamfest/Hamfest%20flyer%202020.pdf
Sponsor: La Porte County Amateur Radio Club
Talk-In: 146.61- (131.8Hz)
Public Contact: Brian Salzer, KB9HMR, P.O. Box 148, Michigan City, IN 46361
Phone: 219-851-2133 Email: cabinfeverhamfest at gmail.com

ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention, Saturday, March 14.
Toledo Hamfest, Sunday, March 15
Location: Owens Community College, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551
Website, GL Convention: http://www.toledoglc.org/
Website, hamfest: http://www.tmrahamradio.org/hamfest.php
Sponsor: Toledo Mobile Radio Association
Talk-In: 147.270+ (103.5Hz)
Public Contact: Rob Hall, KV8P, 8751 Oak Valley Road Holland, OH 43528 
Phone: 419-345-5759, Email: kv8p at kv8p.com

Crossroads Hamfest, Saturday, April 11
Location: Wings Event Center, 3600 Vanrick Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Website: https://www.w8df.com
Flier: https://www.w8df.com/hamfest/hamfest2020.pdf
Sponsor: Southern Michigan Amateur Radio Society
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 147.000 + 600 (PL 94.8)
Public Contact: Terry Tassos N8LN, P.O. Box 934, Battle Creek, MI 49016
Phone: 269-815-8007, Email: smarshamfest at gmail.com

GMARC 3rd Annual Technology Expo, Sunday, April 19
Location: Madison Place Convention Center, 876 Horace Brown Drive, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Website: http://www.gmarc.org
http://www.gmarc.org/wp/technology_expo/
Sponsor: GM Amateur Radio Club
Talk-In: 443.075+ (123Hz)
Public Contact: Bobby Corr N8CY, 45601 Fox Lane West, Apt 106, Shelby Township, MI 48317
Phone: 248-346-2733, Email: BobbyCorr at att.net

Cadillac Hamfest, Saturday, May 2
Location: Cadillac Junior High School, 500 Chestnut Street, Cadillac, MI 49601
Website: http://www.wexaukeearc.org
Flier: http://www.wexaukeearc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cadilac-Hamfest-Flyer-2020.pdf
Sponsor: Wexaukee Amateur Radio Club
Talk-In: 146.980 No Tone
Public Contact: Duane Eubanks , KD8ULW, 3950 North Brown Road Manton, MI 49663
Phone: 231-824-9813, Email: kd8ulw at arrl.net

Hudsonville/Grand Rapids, Saturday, June 6
(Ray’s Roadkill and Potluck dinner, Friday, June 5, 6:30PM)
Location: Hudsonville Fairgrounds, 5235 Park Avenue, Hudsonville,MI 49426
Website: http://w8ira.org/
Flier: http://w8ira.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/IRA-Hamfest-2020-Full-Sheet-05-29-19.png
Sponsor: Independent Repeater Association
Talk-in: 147.16+(94.8Hz)
Public contact: IRA, PO Box 8122, Kentwood, MI 49518
Phone: 616-541-4090, Email: hamfest at w8ira.org

If I missed something or there is something coming up of interest to the West Michigan Ham community, let me know by the 25th of the month,
email: ny8d at arrl.net

73 Jack NY8D